Dendrite-Free Li Metal Anode for Rechargeable Li–SO₂ Batteries Employing Surface Modification with a NaAlCl₄–2SO₂ Electrolyte

Abstract

Dendritic growth of a Li metal anode during cycling is one of major issues to be addressed for practical application of Li metal rechargeable batteries. Herein, we demonstrate that surface modification of Li metal with a Na-containing SO electrolyte can be an effective way to prevent dendritic Li growth during cell operation. The surface-modified Li metal anode exhibited no dendritic deposits even under a high areal capacity (5 mA h cm) and a high current density (3 mA cm), whereas the unmodified anode showed typical filamentary Li deposition. The surface-modified Li metal anode also demonstrated significantly enhanced electrochemical performance, which could be attributed to the newly formed Na-containing inorganic surface layer that exhibits uniform and dense properties. Consequently, surface modification with a Na-containing SO inorganic electrolyte is suggested as one of the most effective ways to realize a highly stable Li metal anode with dendrite-free Li deposition for Li metal-based rechargeable batteries.

Morphological Reversibility of Modified Li-Based Anodes for Next-Generation Batteries

“…Furthermore, in most cases, conclusions that the proposed strategies/approaches are effective in suppressing/inhibiting Li dendrite growth are often drawn on the basis of the improved CE or cycle life, rather than from the morphological evolution (reversibility of the Li initial morphology) point of view. For example, various HSAL structures, such as a nanorod-like Li structure, filamentary-like Li deposition, a columnar-like Li structure, a mossy-like Li structure, granular-like Li morphology, mound-like Li morphology, nodular Li morphology, a pancake-like Li structure, block Li morphology, larger Li particle morphology (on the order of 10 μm), and others, have been observed. An important yet scarcely ever asked question is the extent of the morphological reversibility of these nondendritic Li structures.…”

Battery-Sensor Hybrid: A New Gas Sensing Paradigm with Complete Energy Self-Sufficiency

“…During the past decade, metal–gas batteries, which supply power by electrochemical reaction on the metal anode and gas cathode, have gained tremendous attention. Various combinations of metal and gas, such as Zn–O 2 , Al–CO 2 , Al–N 2 , Li–SO 2 , Li–O 2 , Li–N 2 , and Li–NO 2 have been demonstrated with different output voltages. For example, a typical zinc–air battery (Zn–O 2 ) exhibits a theoretical output of 1.65 V based on the reaction of zinc anode and O 2 gas in air with the aid of a cathode catalyst .…”

Rechargeable Na–SO2Battery with Ethylenediamine Additive in Ether‐Based Electrolyte

“…[ 17 ] With this successful demonstration, tremendous research efforts are devoted into the development of novel cathode materials, [ 18 ] adequate carbonate [ 2 ] and inorganic ionic liquid electrolyte. [ 19 ] Despite the monumental progress achieved for Li–SO 2 batteries over the recent years, battery durability/safety, anode cost, and electrolyte compatibility are still considered laggards in this development. Thus, it is highly necessary that additional effort must be dedicated to resolving these challenges so as to boost their practical applications as well as in SO 2 re‐utilization.…”